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Ambassador to China Roh Jae-heon delivers a work report during the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's audit of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in China on the 20th. / Embassy of the Republic of Korea in China

South Korean Ambassador to China Roh Jae-heon actively emphasized on the 20th that the embassy is strengthening communication with China regarding Korean Peninsula affairs.

During a work report at the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's audit held at the South Korean Embassy in Beijing that morning, Ambassador Roh explained the current state of South Korea-China cooperation on Korean Peninsula issues, saying, "The embassy is closely watching relevant developments, including the Korean Peninsula situation and North Korea-China relations. We are strengthening related communication with the Chinese side".

He went on to say, "We are actively explaining our government's policy of peaceful coexistence and our position on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula to the Chinese side. We are also calling on China to play a constructive role in achieving peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula". He added, "We are working to draw out China's constructive role so that North Korea halts provocations and returns to the forum of dialogue and negotiations".

Ambassador Roh emphasized, "The embassy is maintaining our firm position on sensitive issues such as history, culture, illegal operations by Chinese fishing boats in the West Sea, and the Taiwan issue, while simultaneously strengthening related communication with the Chinese side so that they do not become stumbling blocks to the advancement of bilateral relations".

Regarding supply chain issues, he explained, "We are supporting ongoing communication and cooperation between our government and key Chinese ministries, including China's Ministry of Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the General Administration of Customs". He added, "We are working to secure supplies of core raw materials and minerals by reinforcing advance monitoring of export controls, maintaining coordination systems among diplomatic missions, enterprises, and related agencies, and cooperating with like-minded nations".

Ambassador Roh also stated that the embassy is actively providing guidance and public awareness programs for South Korean nationals regarding legislative trends by the Chinese government, such as the Counter-Espionage Law and detailed implementation rules for managing religious activities of foreigners in China.

Regarding concerns that sanctions against North Korea could be undercut following the opening of the New Yalu River Bridge between North Korea and China, Ambassador Roh replied that the embassy will keep a close watch on relevant developments. Overall, he made a strong case that the embassy is working harder than before. Synthesizing the reputation across the Korean expatriate community in Beijing and beyond, that assessment appears to be true in practice.

                                                                                                          Hong Soon-do